The Opposition Guide: Bury

Blackpool renew acquaintances with Bury tomorrow for the first time since the 2001/02 season. All you need to know about the opposition can be found below.

THE MANAGER

Former Chester City and Rochdale midfielder David Flitcroft was appointed Bury manager in December 2013 and helped stave off the threat of relegation.

The 41-year-old, who had a two-year stint as a player with Bury, guided The Shakers to promotion last season and has overseen some impressive results this season.

The younger brother of former Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City midfielder Garry Flitcroft, David previously worked alongside Keith Hill at Barnsley and also had a spell managing the side.

CURRENT FORM

Fresh from promotion to League One, Bury have started life in the division well and won every game in the month of September. David Flitcroft's side sit seventh in the table on 24 points, having won six and drawn six of their 15 league fixtures so far.

However, The Shakers are without a win in four fixtures and have lost their last two games to Bradford City and Shrewsbury Town, respectively.

FAMILIAR FACES

Peter Clarke swapped Blackpool for Bury in the summer, bringing an end to his second permanent spell as a Seasider. The defender, who made more than 150 appearances in tangerine, was The Shakers’ first signing of the summer and has proved to be a key acquisition for the club.

Jacob Mellis, another player who spent last season at Blackpool, is also now on the books of Bury.

KEY MAN

Ex-Wolves forward Leon Clarke has hit the ground running since completing a free transfer move to Gigg Lane in the summer.

The 30-year-old is already one of the top goalscorers in the division following some impressive displays for David Flitcroft’s side.

Strong and powerful, Clarke has proved to be a real handful throughout his career and had scored 91 goals in 197 appearances prior to joining The Shakers.